Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County – The national government has finalized preparations for the construction and completion of Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced that a tender for the project would be released soon. In addition, the government plans to construct an elite training camp adjacent to the stadium.
According to Kenya News Agency, Namwamba stated that the Ministry of Sports will also undertake the renovation of the Iten sports ground. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to developing talent and supporting youth in earning a living through sports. He mentioned the Talanta Hela initiative, which will fully support the Iten Marathon starting next year as a means to foster youth talent.
Namwamba highlighted Elgeyo Marakwet County’s reputation for producing outstanding athletes who have brought honor to the nation. He expressed the ministry’s intention to elevate the Iten Marathon to the status of prestigious global marathons such as those in New York and Boston. The Cabinet Secretary also addressed the issue of doping, warning training camps against such practices and vowing to fight to maintain the country’s athletic integrity.
In his commitment to honor Kenyan athletes, Namwamba stated that the government would issue diplomatic passports to athletes and ensure comfortable travel for their global competitions. Furthermore, he announced plans to rename sports stadiums across the country after athletes, citing the recent renaming of Kericho Stadium after the late Wilson Kiprugut Chumo.
The Iten Marathon saw Luke Kiprop winning the 42km men’s race, followed by Charles Kimeli and Edwin Yator. In the women’s 10km race, Miriam Chebet emerged as the winner, with Christine Chesire and Chemutai Belinda following closely.